When Registering the loss of a loved one
Registration should take place prior to the funeral.
A relative of Your Loved One usually registers the death.
If no relative is available, then the duty may be performed by any person present at the death,
the occupier of the premises where the death took place, or the person who is accepting responsibility for arranging the funeral.
It may be necessary to arrange an appointment with the Registrar.
Who can register a death?
In the event of a death one of the following persons has a legal obligation to register the death:
- - A relative of Your Loved One
- - A person present at the death
- - A person arranging the funeral, however, your Funeral Director is unable do this for you by law
- - In certain circumstances others, such as the administrator of an elderly person's home can register a death.
- For further advice please contact the Register Office (i.e. Dukinfield Town Hall or your local registrar's office).
If the coroner is involved.
In cases where the death has been reported to the coroner,
if Your Loved One has not been attended by his/her doctor within 14 days or death occurs suddenly, then the death will be
reported to the coroner in the local area where the death took place.
The coroner will have to establish the cause of death;
this is normally done by a post mortem.
Your Loved One will remain under the coroner’s jurisdiction until the cause of death has
been established and only then will the coroner release Your Loved One for the funeral to take place.
The coroner’s procedure usually only takes a few days.
The funeral director will keep the relatives informed of the situation.
The funeral directors will then be told when the family can register the death.
The coroner’s court will issue the death certificate.
When should I register a death?
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a death should be registered within five days of a loved one passing.
Registration can be delayed for a further nine days provided the registrar receives, in writing,
confirmation that a medical certificate of the cause of death has been signed by the doctor.
What is needed to register?
You have to register a death in the Registration District, where the death took place,
although it is possible to give a declaration of the details to be registered with a registrar in another area.
You will need to provide the following information about Your Loved One:-
Full name, surname
Address
Date of birth
Place of birth
Occupation
Maiden surname, if applicable
If the person who has died was married, widowed or in a Civil Partnership the full names and occupation of the spouse/partner.
You will need to bring a medical certificate stating the cause of death issued by a doctor.
If the death has been referred to the Coroner,
the Coroner’s officer will advise you what to do.
If Your Loved One received a pension or allowance from public funds, e.g. Civil service or army pension please inform the registrar.
| Supporting documents for Your Loved One to help with: | Supporting document: |
|---|---|
| Full name, surname | Passport or driving licence or full birth certificate |
| Address | Utility bill |
| Date of birth | Passport or driving licence or birth certificate |
| Place of birth | Birth certificate |
| Occupation | n/a |
| Maiden surname, if applicable | Marriage certificate |
| If the person who has died was married, widowed or in a Civil Partnership the full names and occupation of the spouse/partner | Marriage certificate |
If you're facing any difficulties with any of the information above,
please do not hesitate to call our office on: 0161 3434 800